Act Six Leadership & Scholarship Initiative

The Act Six Leadership & Scholarship Initiative connects urban ministries and faith-based colleges in order to equip emerging urban leaders to provide transformative leadership for the university campus and their communities at home. Whitworth launched the first Act Six affiliate in 2002 in partnership with the Northwest Leadership Foundation, and now partners with the YMCA of the Inland Northwest as well to annually enroll a cadre of eight emerging urban leaders from Spokane and the Tacoma/Seattle area. The Act Six initiative advances Whitworth's commitment to equip all students to be interculturally competent global citizens and to honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity.

Act Six scholars represent six continents and speak 32 native languages. More than 85 percent of Act Six scholars come from low-income households or are the first in their families to attend college, but they have achieved retention rates and graduation rates that far exceed national averages for students from all backgrounds. Furthermore, Act Six scholars at Whitworth have served as student body president, as captains of championship athletic teams, as key members of performing arts ensembles and in myriad other leadership roles inside and outside of the classroom.